On-loan Aston Villa midfielder Leander Dendoncker has come under fire for his comments following Anderlecht’s recent 2-1 defeat by Club Brugge in the Belgian Pro League.
Dendoncker, who is currently captaining Anderlecht during his loan spell, publicly criticized his team-mates, pointing out what he felt was a lack of enthusiasm which ultimately gave their opponents the upper hand.
The 29-year-old, speaking with DAZNhe observed that Club Brugge looked more determined to win, suggesting that Anderlecht did not show the same level of commitment on the pitch.
His remarks did not go down well with Marc Degryse, a former Belgium international, who openly condemned Dendoncker’s comments.
Dendoncker criticized for criticizing his colleagues
In an interview with Het Laatste Nieuws, Degryse was highly critical of Anderlecht’s recent form, expressing disbelief at their lackluster performance.
Degryse remarked that Dendoncker’s criticism of his own team was “anti-Anderlecht”, and indicated that, as captain, such public criticism raised concerns about his leadership.
Degryse said (via soccer scoop):
“And at the back… Guys, okay, Dendoncker! That was a new low for him and Anderlecht. I don’t know what problems Dendoncker has, but I’ve never seen so little enthusiasm from a captain and someone who has to go ahead.
“I mean you could see on the field that they had a lot more willpower. They played to that home crowd as well. It’s really unacceptable though. We have to look at ourselves.”
“Even his interview after the game, in which he said the club had more excitement and sharpness, was painful. That was un-Anderlecht.”
Dendoncker has been a consistent fixture in Anderlecht’s line-up this season, making eight appearances in both the Belgian league and the Europa League, seven of them as captain.
Dendoncker’s contract with Aston Villa, which runs until 2026, did not give him a consistent role at Villa Park. Since his £13m move from Wolves in 2022, he has faced challenges securing regular game time. It has been reported that the player no longer has a future in Unai Emery’s team, with the club wants to sell it in 2025.
After one season mainly as a substitute, Dendoncker was loaned to Napoli in January 2024. Despite a strong performance in Serie A, Napoli opted not to pursue a permanent deal, leading to his subsequent loan to Anderlecht, which includes an option for them. signing him on a permanent deal for just £7m.
The Belgian club’s option to make the move permanent remains uncertain, particularly as Dendoncker’s comments continue to attract attention at Villa Park.
